LITTLE FALLS, NY — Marica Bellico, a Napoli native who has called Little Falls home for a decade, is transforming the former Mangia Macrina Wood Fired Pizza at 410 Canal Place into Nonna Maria, a pizzeria and Italian eatery set to celebrate its grand opening on July 16.
The new venture is a tribute to Bellico’s Italian heritage and the community that welcomed her, offering an authentic taste of Napoli through traditional pizzas, dishes, and a warm, family-oriented atmosphere.
Bellico’s journey to Little Falls began in 2015 with a summer program, leading her to attend Herkimer College and later manage the Inner Stone Mill.
The opportunity to take over the pizzeria sparked a vision to share her culture. “I’m really passionate about my Italian culture, but I also love the fact that there is so much culture here in Little Falls, Italian heritage,” Bellico said.
“It’s a chance for me to give back to the community and give them a little bit of what I have, a little bit of Italy and Napoli.”
Nonna Maria, named after Bellico’s grandmother and mother, both named Maria, will feature a revamped menu with a new dough recipe and traditional Neapolitan pizzas, alongside select favorites from the previous owner, Chris Woodbeck. “I changed the dough recipe. Chris had an incredible recipe. I just wanted to make it mine,” Bellico explained.
Starting July 16, the menu will expand to include traditional Italian dinners like lasagna and eggplant parmigiana on designated special days, such as Thursdays or Fridays.
The pizzeria’s ambiance is also getting a Mediterranean makeover, complete with a lemon theme and a mural depicting a Napoli scenery near the pizza oven. “I want people to come here and feel like they’re in Italy,” Bellico said.
A designated selfie wall will add a fun, interactive element for guests.
Bellico is committed to local sourcing, partnering with New York State farms and vendors for fresh ingredients.
Nonna Maria has applied for a full liquor license to offer imported Italian beers and wines, as well as local options, and a small cocktail menu featuring limoncello spritzes and espresso martinis.
Starting July 8, the restaurant will operate Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Adding a personal touch, Bellico’s family will join her for the opening. Her mother, also named Maria, will spend a month in Little Falls, experimenting with the pizza oven and hosting a pizza-making class on July 21.
“She’s going to have some fun with the oven, try different recipes, and cook some dinners,” Bellico said, noting the limited-space class will offer a unique experience for attendees.
Supported by a skilled team, including culinary and marketing expert Katy Tomei and assistant manager Domonik Chatterton, Bellico aims to make Nonna Maria a community hub.
“Nonna Maria is more than just a name—it’s family,” she said. “Through Nonna Maria, I bring a taste of home to the community that so warmly opened their homes and hearts to me.”
Marica Bellico puts a pizza into the oven at the new Nonna Maria’s in Little Falls.
Dining and Cooking